Córdoba CF achieved their second consecutive victory against one of the top-ranked teams in the Hypermotion League. They also added another clean sheet, closing the initial gaps in their defense in one of their best matches of the competition so far. The result seems modest, and Magunagoitia, the rival goalkeeper, emerged as the best player for the Eibar team. Eder and Percan scored the two goals, consolidating their roles as top scorers so far with four goals each.
The first fifteen minutes showcased an open match, with two pressing teams where mistakes could prove costly. Carracedo and Álex Garrido had the first chances. But a perfect combination down the right wing with Gift acting as a dagger led to Eibar's goal on a second attempt by Martón, which slipped between Iker's hands and foot. However, VAR reviewed the play for a marginal offside. In the same play, Gift, one of the main attacking assets, got injured.
It was from that moment that Córdoba CF changed their mindset and started pushing Eibar into their area, literally besieging it with nine corners and countless dangerous plays that lacked finishing and precision. These were the best moments for the white-and-greens, with inspired performances from Adnane and Carracedo as the main protagonists. Tasende, Percan on two occasions, and Eder also threatened Magunagoitia.
But just as the referee was about to signal halftime, another key play occurred: Martón fell next to Juan Gutiérrez, and the referee—making his debut in the category—penalized the defender with a direct red card for alleged aggression. After minutes of tension and waiting, VAR overturned the sanction, and Córdoba CF could face the second half with all their players.
The second half saw an even more energized Córdoba. Proof of this was the play leading to the first goal. Carracedo combined with Adnane, who cut through the rival defense in the area and set up Eder to put the white-and-greens ahead in the 49th minute. Arambarri responded by bringing on Iván Gil and Lucas Núñez, but the script did not change. In the 55th minute, Bri almost made it 2-0, but Magunagoitia began his personal showcase of the afternoon, which he couldn't stop, however, in the following minute, leading to the definitive 2-0.
Adnane Ghailan once again assisted from the left to Percan, who found space in the area for a shot that went into Eibar's goal, sending the crowd of nearly 15,000 spectators into a frenzy as they celebrated both San Rafael and their team, despite the time and the significant day in the city. There could have been a third goal with a right-footed shot from Carracedo outside the area, which forced the Basque goalkeeper to make a spectacular save.
A new wave of substitutions followed. Ania brought on Víctor and Salim El Jebari, while Arambarri used up his options and players. The match entered a lull, with Córdoba trying to control the game and tempo to kill it on the counterattack. The physical toll began to show on the new pitch at the stadium, and Tasende, Budesca, and Adnane left the field due to fatigue and some physical issues. The white-and-green defense was reshuffled with Albarrán on the right and Álex Martín on the left.
Eibar wanted to, but couldn't. They managed a few harmless attempts but lacked dominance, as control remained with Córdoba CF, who found a new route to the rival goal through Salim's wing. The left winger, after an advance by Isma on the left, had the 3-0 at his feet but missed the shot in the area in the 83rd minute. Almost immediately after, Eder saw his chance to seal the perfect match thwarted by the post. From then until the end, there was another double local chance with two great saves by Magunagoitia in the 93rd minute from shots by Damián and Eder.
=====================
Córdoba CF
Iker, Tasende (Albarrán), Álex Martín, Juan Gutiérrez, Budesca (Rubén Alves), Isma, Eder, Adnane Ghailan (Damián), Bri (El Jebari), Carracedo, Percan (Víctor)
SD Eibar
Magunagoitia, Cubero, Imanol, Jair Jr (Bautista), Nolaskoain, Mada (Lucas Núñez), Magunazelaia, Pejiño (Iván Gil), Martón (Arana), Gift (Guruzeta), Álex Garrido
Referee: Juan Manuel Gordillo (Valencian Committee)
Barhain Victorius Nuevo Arcángel
14,730 spectators
Goals
(1-0) Minute 49, Eder García
(2-0) Minute 55, Diego Percan